Double Trouble

21.

I love weaving in the subtle clues as to what I have planned for the Big Drama. It makes me so excited. Also, this chapter does not go as the episode does, as you will see early on.

Mount Justice

November 22, 09:42 EDT

Pietro wandered through Mount Justice, stopping when he saw a gathering of Justice Leaguers in the main cavern of the cave. He peeked around the corner, covering his mouth when he saw on the screen Black Canary kiss Conner. He watched as the scene continued to play and Canary turned into M'gann. He sped off, snickering to himself. Not watching where he was going, he bumped into Robin, knocking the younger teen over. "Oof!"

Robin stood up, helping the silver haired speedster up. "You've got to be careful, Pietro." He smirked at the teen. "What has you in such a jolly mood."

Pietro thought back to the tape and snickered. "I, uh, I can't tell you. Sworn to secrecy by the League."

Robin arched a brow. "You know I'll find out. I always do."

Pietro chuckled again. "I'm not worried, it isn't about me, so it is not my place to tell."

Robin stared at the older teen for a second before nodding. He was about to say something when the intercom went off, asking for the team to report for mission briefing. "Well, lead the way."

Pietro and Robin walked down the hallway to the mission room, finding Batman there with the holographic computer pulled up. They spread out, staring at the Dark Knight as he explained the mission to them. "Rumaan Harjavti is the democratically elected president of Qurac. Harjavti has been praised as a fair, wise leader. A humanitarian."

"Sure, any friend of Bruce Wayne's." Wally muttered to Robin. Pietro caught this and narrowed his eyes at the duo.

"But five days ago, Harjavti allied himself with the dictator of the neighboring nation of Bialya, Queen Bee." Batman continued.

Pietro kept his face neutral as Conner grunted. "Hmm. Not a fan."

"Few are. But Harjavti suddenly backs Queen Bee's baseless claim that Quarac and Bialya were one nation in ancient times and has announced that the countries will reunify in two days at a ceremony in Quarac." Batman then played a video of Harjavti speaking at a press conference, announcing his intent to step down after the ceremony.

"And the Quarcis are okay with this?" Wally asked.

"Hardly. They're well aware of the brutality of Queen Bee's regime. But Harjavti has censored the press, silenced all legitimate protest, and invited the Bialyan military into his country to enforce martial law."

"Queen Bee has to be controlling Harjavti. Doesn't she have the power to enthrall most men?" Robin inquired. 

"And some women. But not long distance. And we have confirmation she hasn't left Bialya. Something else is at work here." Batman squashed Robin's theory. "Find out what. Robin, you're team leader."

"Promotion. Sweet." Wally raised his hand for a high five.

"Me? Wh-what about Aqualad?"

"Busy helping Aquaman. You're the next logical choice." 

"Great."

"Dude? You totally left me hangin'!" Wally complained. 

Pietro shot Wally a look as the team departed for the bioship, everyone boarding and taking their seats as they took off.

Quarac

November 22, 23:56 UTC + 2

"We are right above the Quarci-Bialyan border." Robin announced.